2018 BMW M4 CS

Munich revives name from the past for limited-edition M4

Introduced in 2013, the 4 Series is one of the company’s newest nameplates and marked the end of the 3 Series Coupe, which it replaced in the brand’s catalog. The renamed two-door also adopted a new, evolutionary design inside and out, and received a lineup of brand-new and revised engines. The high-performance version was also rebadged from the M3 Coupe to the M4 and ditched the naturally aspirated V-8 engine for a turbocharged, inline-six powerplant. The M4 also brought the GTS badge back into showrooms in the form of a more powerful, track-focused, limited edition model. In 2017, the German brand launched yet another limited-edition, high-performance variant, the M4 CS.

The "CS" badge dates back to the late 1960s, when it was used for a more powerful version of the then-new BMW E9. At first called the 2000 CS, it later evolved into the 2800 CS, 3.0 CS, and 2.5 CS. The 3.0 CS spawned the iconic 3.0 CSL, a lighter, homologation special that went on to become BMW’s most iconic race car. The CSL name returned in 2004 for the M3 Coupe and it was once again brought back into the spotlight in 2015 with the 3.0 CSL Hommageconcept car. Word has it that BMW dropped the L (which stands for Lightweight) from the badge since the CS isn’t significantly lighter than the standard M4 (a feature reserved for the GTS). Looks for the new M4 CS to hit dealerships by the end of the year, but don’t expect it to be around for too long. Much like the GTS, it should be sold out in a matter of months, if not weeks.

Updated 05/30/2017: BMW dropped a series of new images for the new M4 CS and we have to admit it looks even better in this cool Lime Rock Grey Metallic exterior paint.

Exterior

Not surprisingly, M4 CS is heavily based on the GTS on the outside. The two share almost the same aero kit and design, with the big rear wing being the only notable element missing on the CS. However, there are a few other features that set the CS apart. Up front, there is an exclusive front splitter made from exposed carbon-fiber and a slightly revised apron with the familiar three-piece air intake. Around back, the massive wing seen on the GTS was ditched in favor of a redesigned Gurney lid spoiler for less aggressive, Club Sport look. The CS also shares the OLED taillights, the rear diffuser, and the carbon-fiber-reinforced (CFRP) engine hood and roof with the GTS.

The M4 CS is an M4 GTS without the motorsport-inspired wing.

All told, it’s safe to say that the M4 CS is an M4 GTS without the motorsport-inspired wing. It’s also worth noting that it doesn’t come with the orange highlights on the splitter, diffuser, and wheels, which made the GTS standard out from a distance. I wish BMW would have designed more unique looking bumpers and diffuser for this car, but I guess BMW is aiming the CS at those who want a more affordable GTS rather than customers looking for something unique.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (Inches)

110.70

Length (Inches)

183.93

Width (Inches)

73.62

Height (Inches)

54.80

Track, front/rear (Inches)

62.16/63.14

Ground clearance (Inches)

4.76

Interior

The interior is also based on the M4 GTS, combining race-inspired features with familiar M4 elements. The lightweight M sports seats are standard and come wrapped in leather and Alcantara. The door panels are made from compacted natural fibers, which give them a unique look, and feature motorsport-style pull loops instead of conventional handles. The Alcantara inserts on the center console, dashboard, and steering wheels also contribute to the sporty look of the cabin. Finally, the "CS" lettering on the dashboard is there to suggest that this is not a regular M4.

The interior is also based on the M4 GTS, combining race-inspired features with familiar M4 elements.

And to be honest, it’s really difficult to tell the CS apart from an optioned up M4.

While BMW brags about the CS being a track-ready road car, the coupe is fitted with plenty of convenience features, including automatic climate control, a premium audio system, and navigation. While these items will be appreciated by owners looking to use the CS as a daily driver, they add weight to the car and thus prevent it from reaching the performance it’s capable of at the race track.

Drivetrain

Under the hood we find the same twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six engine as in the M4.

Under the hood, we find the same twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six engine that’s found in the M4. The unit uses two mono-scroll turbochargers, a charge air cooler, high-precision injection, Valvetronic variable valve timing, and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing to crank out 460 horsepower. That’s 35 horses more than the standard M4 and 10 horses more than the M4 with the Competition Package, but accounts for a 33-horsepower deficit compared to the M4 GTS.

In addition to the extra oomph, the control systems for the Adaptive M suspension, DSC, Active M Differential, and the setup of the electromechanical steering have been modified to suit the revised dynamics.

Sprinting from 0 to 62 mph takes 3.9 seconds with the standard dual-clutch automatic transmission, which makes the CS a tenth-second quicker than the M4 with a similar setup. On the other hand, it’s a tenth-second slower than the GTS, the quickest road-legal M4 to date. Top speed is set at 174 mph, 19 mph more than the norm for most BMW M vehicles. On the flipside, it’s 15 mph slower than the M4 GTS.

Needless to say, BMW was careful enough to place the CS right between the standard M4 and the GTS.

Tested on the famous Nurburgring track, the M4 CS lapped the Nordschleife section in 7:38 minutes. This benchmark makes it the second-quickest Bimmer on the ’Ring, after the M4 GTS, which is around 10 seconds quicker. The CS is on par with the Lexus LFA and Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera and slightly quicker than the McLaren Mercedes SLR and the previous-generation Porsche 911 GT3. Impressive!

Drivetrain Specifications

BMW M4 CS

BMW M4 GTS

Engine

twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six

twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six

Horsepower

460 HP @ 6,250 RPM

493 HP @ 6,250 RPM

Torque

442 LB-FT @ 4,000-5,380 RPM

442 LB-FT @ 4,000–5,500 RPM

Transmission

Seven-speed M Double Clutch

Seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic

0 to 100 km/h (62 mph)

3.9 seconds

3.7 seconds

Top Speed

174 MPH

189.5 MPH

Weight

3,483 Lbs

Chassis and Suspension

The suspension of the new BMW M4 CS largely mirrors that of the M4 with Competition Package

The suspension of the new BMW M4 CS largely mirrors that of the M4 with Competition Package. The links and wheel carriers at both the front and rear axles are made from forged aluminium, while the Adaptive M suspension comes standard. The coupe rides on light-alloy wheels designed exclusively for the M4 CS, measuring 19 inches up front and 20 inches to the rear. The rims are wrapped in semi-slick, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires as standard, but the CS can also be ordered with Michelin Sport road tires at no extra cost. Stopping power comes fade-resistant M compound brakes with four-piston calipers at the front and two-piston calipers at the rear.

Standard: airbags for driver and front passenger, side airbags for driver and front passenger, head airbags for front seats, three-point inertia-reel seatbelts on all seats with belt stopper, belt latch tensioner and belt force limiter

Steering

Electric Power Steering (EPS) with M-specific Servotronic function

Prices

The BMW M4 CS is priced from €116,900, which represents a whopping 52.4-percent premium over the base M4. U.S. pricing information is not yet available, but given that the M4 retails from $66,200, the CS could start from around $100,900. For reference, the M4 GTS, which was limited to only 700 units, came in at $134,200 before options.

Competition

For some reason, Mercedes-Benz isn’t as excited as BMW when it comes to special-edition model with extra aerodynamic features. The Germans did release a DTM-inspired Edition 1 model, but that version is long gone. However, due to the fact that AMG C63 is available with two power outputs, the standard model, but with the beefed-up version of the 4.0-liter V-8, is more than suited to give the M4 CS a run for its money. Sold as the C63 S, the range-topping variant comes with 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It needs 3.8 seconds to hit 60 mph, which makes it as quick as the M4 CS, while top speed is limited at a very German 155 mph. Pricing starts from $75,000, which makes the Merc significantly less expensive than the M4 CS. On the other hand, the AMG C63 Coupe isn’t as exclusive as the Bimmer.

Conclusion

All things considered, the M4 CS is yet another way for BMW to try and satisfy a small number of customers looking for a more powerful M4, but without the track-ready features and pricing of the GTS. Whether such a car makes sense or not remains to be seen, but in an era when most carmakers are trying to fill all sorts of small niches, everything is possible and everything can be justified one way or another. To some extent, the M4 CS also represents an update to the standard M4, which is significantly less powerful than its main competitor, until the next-generation coupe hits the streets.

Love it

More power compared to the standard M4

Sporty features inside and out

Limited production run adds exclusivity

Leave it

Significantly more expensive

It’s not significantly lighter than the M4

Update History

Updated 01/12/2017: The upcoming BMW M4 CS was caught testing once again, this time during cold weather conditions in Sweden.

Spy Shots

January 12, 2017 - BMW M4 CS caught testing in the snow

September 26, 2016 - First testing session

Press Release

The BMW M4 states its case as a compact high-performance coupe, the optional Competition Package gives it an extra edge, and the M4 GTS is an uncompromising sports car also designed for use on the track. And now the new limited-run special-edition BMW M4 CS fills the gap between its BMW M GmbH stablemates. With its eye-catching, emotionally powerful looks, it also raises the profile of the M4 range – and, by extension, the BMW M brand – another notch.

A new model-specific front splitter in exposed carbon fibre defines the face of the new BMW M4 CS, which cuts an unquestionably dominant and dynamic figure even when standing still. The car’s athletic lines extend along the CFRP bonnet and powerdome, over the roof – with its shallow central channel – and the new, likewise carbon-fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid, to the rear diffuser and its four exhaust tailpipes, integrated with impeccable stylistic fluency. The shape of the M4 CS appears as if cut from a single mould, underlining the design aspirations of the modern sports coupe.

The extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) ensures that the new BMW M4 CS is extremely light; indeed, its kerb weight is just 1,580 kilograms (acc. to EU, excl. driver). As well as the rear diffuser, large sections of the body are also made from CFRP. The bonnet, for example, is around 25 per cent lighter than that of the BMW M4 as a result. BMW’s many years of experience in the production of carbon-fibre components and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics has paid dividends with the new BMW M4 CS. Indeed, the CFRP roof is more than six kilograms lighter than a conventional metal item. Another benefit of this extremely light and yet highly robust composite material is the corresponding lowering of the car’s centre of gravity, which endows the BMW M4 CS with even more agile handling.

Unlike the BMW M4 GTS, BMW has deliberately steered the M4 CS away from a focus on the track. For example, the front splitter is not adjustable and instead of a large, adjustable wing, the rear end sports an exposed-carbon-fibre Gurney – i.e. an aerodynamic spoiler lip running across the trailing edge of the boot lid that significantly reduces rear-axle lift once again compared to the M4 with Competition Package. In the interests of everyday practicality, the M4 CS also forgoes the roll cage fitted in the M4 GTS.

The BMW M4 CS was honed at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, one of the world’s most exacting test tracks for high-performance sports cars – proof, if any were needed, that the new BMW M4 CS has been set up to deliver exceptional dynamics as well as unrestricted real-world usability. The M4 CS lapped the ’Ring in 7 min. 38 sec., which ranks it between the BMW M4 and the uncompromisingly track-focused M4 GTS.

The excellent dynamics of the new BMW M4 CS are rooted not only in a fresh round of suspension revisions over the M4 with Competition Package in terms of spring/damper settings, but also in a moderate increase in power for the six-cylinder in-line engine. Fitted in the M4 CS, it develops 460 hp – that’s 10 hp more than in the M4 with Competition Package. Peak torque increases by 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) to 600 Nm (442 lb-ft).

Generous use of Alcantara and leather has allowed the development engineers and designers at BMW M GmbH to conjure up an interior with an enviable sporting feel. Paring down the passenger compartment to the essentials and, in so doing, achieving significant weight savings was also the declared aim with the interior door panels and the side trim in the rear compartment. Both are made from compacted natural fibres – renewable raw materials, in other words – and have been given a special carbon-fibre look. Conventional door pulls give way to lightweight loops in the BMW M4 CS. And yet, despite the rigorously sporty mindset embodied by its cabin and also expressed in the presence of lightweight M sports seats, passengers in the BMW M4 CS need not go without niceties such as single-zone automatic climate control and a high-quality, specially adapted version of the HiFi System Professional.

A sensational straight-six engine

The six-cylinder in-line engine has a great tradition at BMW, and in the new BMW M4 CS it is once again responsible for delivering performance par excellence. When compared to the M4 with Competition Package, maximum output has been increased by ten horsepower to 460 hp, which is on tap at 6,250 rpm. Peak torque of 600 Newton metres (442 lb-ft) is a whole ten per cent higher (M4 with Competition Package: 550 Nm / 405 lb-ft) and can be summoned up over a very wide rev range – from 4,000 rpm up to 5,380 rpm. These power reserves endow the new BMW M4 CS with supercar-like performance. The 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint is over in a breathtaking 3.9 seconds, for example. The top speed of the BMW M4 CS, which comes with the M Driver’s Package as standard, is electronically limited to 280 km/h (174 mph).

The high power output of the 3.0-litre engine can be attributed to its free-revving design, as well as the inclusion of two turbochargers and extremely effective charge air cooling. The M TwinPower Turbo technology at work in the BMW M4 CS employs two very responsive mono-scroll turbochargers, which combine with High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft control to ensure the six-cylinder unit can deliver its power to maximum effect. Charge pressure is built up continuously from just above idling speed, while the fully variable valve and camshaft timing helps to maintain a high efficiency factor. This not only enables the engine to generate its power continuously over a very wide rev band, it can do so very economically, too. Fuel consumption and therefore exhaust emissions remain low (fuel consumption combined: 8.4 l/100 km* [33.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 197 g/km*). The high-revving ability of this exceptionally refined six-cylinder unit likewise benefits from VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS technology. As a result, the straight-six under the bonnet of the BMW M4 CS has an impressively high rated engine speed for a twin-turbocharged unit of 7,600 rpm.

Thanks to its closed-deck design, the six-cylinder engine’s crankcase is remarkably rigid, paving the way for high cylinder pressures and very effective power output. The sleeveless cylinder walls, with their twin-wire, arc-sprayed coating, help to save weight. Another feature designed for top performance is the forged crankshaft boasting a lightweight design yet also high torsional strength. This keeps the rotating mass low and thereby makes the twin-turbo power unit even quicker to respond.

The engine’s oil supply system is another technical highlight, while also showcasing the vast motor sport expertise of BMW M GmbH. It has been designed with the tough demands of track racing in mind and makes sure the six-cylinder in-line engine is kept supplied with lubricant at longitudinal and lateral forces of up to 1.4 g. The lightweight magnesium oil sump is fitted with an additional cover to limit the lubricant’s surging movements, even during extreme driving manoeuvres such as abrupt changes of direction on a race track. An extra oil suction pump combines with a highly effective oil return system to ensure an unfailing supply of oil, even when performing extreme braking manoeuvres.
It goes without saying that an M power unit must come with the acoustics to match. In the new M4 CS, this is the task of a dual-branch sports exhaust system with a total of four tailpipes, which are neatly incorporated into the styling of the rear diffuser. Its exhaust back-pressure is as low as possible, something which is conducive to power build-up, and it is governed by a system of flaps. Positioned directly upstream from the rear silencers, the flaps are controlled electrically and are designed to provide optimum feedback on the engine’s load state throughout the entire rev range as well as generating that unmistakable, sporty M sound. The driver can alter the way in which the system of flaps works by preselecting a driving mode.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels of the new BMW M4 CS via the seven-speed M Double-Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic that has already been successfully used in the M4 and M4 GTS models. The extremely fast gear changes mean there is no interruption in power flow, while the M Launch Control function ensures flawless acceleration from a standing start. The M DCT unit operates fully automatically, but there are also shift paddles on the steering wheel for changing gear manually. In order to cope comfortably with even the most demanding operating conditions, the seven-speed transmission comes with a dedicated oil cooler.

Superlative driving dynamics

The models created by BMW M GmbH have always stood out by virtue of their supreme agility, steering precision and handling stability. The new BMW M4 CS upholds this tradition, while also catering to the sports-minded driver with a variety of settings options for the suspension, the M Servotronic electromechanical steering, the DSC stability control system and the seven-speed M Double-Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic.
The new BMW M4 CS is fitted as standard with Adaptive M suspension, offering the driver the choice between Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes, with different damper settings in each of the three modes. Whereas the Comfort setting maximises ride comfort while driving in the city, for example, Sport mode allows country roads to be negotiated with a highly dynamic flourish. And if the M4 CS is taken on an outing to a race track, Sport+ activates the firmest suspension set-up, resulting in minimal body movement and unbeatable dynamics.

Three different performance maps for the wonderfully precise electromechanical steering in the M4 CS can also be called up at the touch of a button. The steering’s remarkably sensitive responses vary in the Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes, while the level of power assistance is also modified, allowing the steering characteristics to be adapted to the type of journey and the driver’s personal tastes.

The high-tech package of chassis technology for the new BMW M4 CS also includes the Active M Differential, whose electronically controlled multi-disc locking action further enhances the already outstanding traction and driving stability. To do so, the multi-disc limited-slip differential’s control unit communicates with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system. It also factors in the accelerator position, the rotational wheel speeds, and the yaw rate of the M4 CS, and adapts to the changing driving situation with extreme precision and at lightning speed. The Active M Differential is therefore able to detect the imminent loss of grip on one side of the car, for instance, and adjust the locking torque accordingly to produce a locking effect between zero and 100 per cent. When the car is being put through its paces on a circuit, in particular, the driving stability features thereby ensure optimum traction under all conditions, such as when powering out of tight turns or on surfaces with differing levels of grip.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) normally counters understeer or oversteer by means of targeted intervention in the engine and brake control systems. In the case of the M4 CS, engaging M Dynamic Mode (MDM) allows a greater degree of wheel slip, making it possible to perform mild drifts. This is the sort of manoeuvre drivers seeking particularly sporty and dynamic responses will enjoy, especially on the track. In this mode, they are entirely responsible for stabilising the vehicle.

The new BMW M4 CS’s chassis is largely the same as that of the BMW M4 with Competition Package. Notable features include its low weight – a result of its lightweight aluminium construction – and the extraordinary rigidity of the axle systems. There is a lightweight double-joint spring strut axle at the front and a five-link axle at the rear. The links and wheel carriers are all made from forged aluminium. Ball joints with zero play and elastomeric bearing purpose-developed for the M4 ensure direct transmission of power without any play both longitudinally or laterally, resulting in an extremely responsive chassis and consequently excellent driving dynamics. The rear differential’s double-elastic suspension and the rear axle subframe’s rigid bolted connection with the body structure both demonstrate how thoroughbred motor sport technology has been engrained into the BMW M4 CS.

A new, forged light-alloy wheel option in Orbit Grey has been specially developed for the new BMW M4 CS. Its ten-spoke design takes its cues from the wheels of the successful M4 cars competing in the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) race series. The BMW M GmbH engineers have rigorously applied their lightweight design approach to the wheels as well. The 10 J x 20-inch wheels at the rear weigh no more than around ten kilograms each and their 9 J x 19-inch counterparts at the front a mere nine kilograms or so. That keeps the unsprung masses low, which is another factor in the exceptionally dynamic handling of the M4 CS. The M4 CS rides as standard on mixed-size Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (265/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 20 at the rear). The cup tyres are designed to transfer the steering forces to the road surface with incredible precision, while also providing the driver with as much feedback as possible. They are eminently suited to track use and offer maximum grip. Drivers looking to keep their M4 CS mainly for everyday use, though, can opt for the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres instead, which generate more grip on wet roads than the Cup tyres.

Like the M4, the new M4 CS comes with BMW M compound brakes as standard. Four-piston callipers at the front and two-piston units at the rear are employed to deliver outstanding stopping power, high fade resistance and excellent controllability. Compound brakes are far lighter than a conventional braking system, meaning a further reduction in unsprung masses and thus even sharper handling. The BMW M4 CS is optionally available with BMW M carbon ceramic brakes. These feature six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear, are even lighter, withstand the sort of extreme loads experienced in race action on a track and are even more durable as well.
All settings for the DSC, ABS, Adaptive M suspension, Active M Differential, seven-speed M Double-Clutch Transmission and M Servotronic steering have been modified for the new BMW M4 CS and tailored to the specific requirements of this compact high-performance sports car.

Unmistakable M styling

The new BMW M4 CS special-edition model leaves no doubt as to its performance capabilities with its looks alone. No matter which angle the M4 CS is viewed from, it appears as if cut from a single mould, has a muscular, athletic air and makes it perfectly clear – even when standing still – that here is a high-performance sports car. In other words, the M4 CS is another uncompromising expression of the BMW M design language intended to communicate its exceptional performance and exhibit all of its emotionally rich, intensely dynamic character at first glance.

The front end, with its pronounced three-dimensional contouring, oozes sportiness from every pore. Distinguishing features include the twin headlight units with their state-of-the-art LED technology and the slender double-kidney grille with black-painted bars. The front apron is divided into three parts and brings the dynamic nature of the new BMW M4 CS even further to the fore, at the same time as performing its technical functions. The large air intakes provide highly efficient cooling for both the twin-turbo six-cylinder engine and the powerful braking system.

The design of the front splitter is exclusive to the BMW M4 CS special-edition model. Made from lightweight exposed carbon fibre, it reduces lift at the front axle to great effect. The bonnet is also made from lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and is crowned by a distinctive powerdome. This isn’t just an eye-catching design feature, either. It too fulfils an important function by creating space for the high-performance engine’s charge air cooler, and its air vent also allows effective dissipation of the heat produced. The powerdome’s outline is picked up by the roof’s contoured middle section before continuing down the boot lid all the way to the prominent tail.
The new BMW M4 CS is a visual expression of all-out sportiness when seen in profile, too. The dominant stylistic elements here include a long bonnet, long wheelbase and a short front overhang. One of the dominant stylistic features in this area of the car is the aerodynamic styling of the sporty-looking M exterior mirrors, with their simulated twin-arm design, which seem to be almost floating gracefully in the air. The flowing roofline, meanwhile, lends added emphasis to the coupe character of the M4 CS. The muscular and, especially at the rear, powerfully accentuated wheel arches likewise make a striking contribution to the exceedingly sporty aura of the M4 CS, their width underlining its dynamic prowess.

Moving to the rear, the eye is instantly caught by the restyled Gurney made from exposed carbon fibre. Apart from providing a sporty visual highlight, this aerodynamic spoiler lip also has an important function; it reduces rear axle lift, which in turn helps to optimise roadholding and traction. The top edge of the Gurney is contoured slightly in a similar fashion to the roof. As on the BMW M4 GTS, the distinctive rear lights on the BMW M4 CS are designed entirely using pioneering OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology and produce a fascinating 3D effect.

The rear diffuser is carried over from the BMW M4 GTS. It adds a very striking and sporty flourish to the rear end and seamlessly incorporates the four stainless-steel tailpipes (all bearing the M logo) of the dual-branch flap-controlled exhaust system into its styling. In keeping with the motor racing pedigree of BMW M GmbH, the diffuser and front splitter optimise the airflow along the vehicle’s underbody, helping to keep the car in even better contact with the road.

The new BMW M4 CS also comes with the BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim with extended features already familiar from the M4 with Competition Package. This means features such as the side window trim and window recess covers are finished in high-gloss black, as are the BMW kidney grille and the prominent M gills on the front wings. The model badge on the tail is in silver chrome.

BMW M GmbH is offering two new colours exclusively for the new BMW M4 CS special edition: San Marino Blue Metallic and Lime Rock Grey Metallic. Anyone seeking a particularly exclusive and eye-catching look can also opt for Frozen Dark Blue II, a matt blue finish created by the specialists at BMW Individual. The elaborate painting process means that Frozen Dark Blue II (expected to become available in November 2017) will be restricted to a limited number of cars.
The light-alloy wheels in Orbit Grey have likewise been designed specifically for the new M special-edition model. Both extremely rigid and incredibly light, the wheels feature a ten-spoke arrangement that affords a clear view of the large brake discs and brake callipers behind, the latter with either a blue painted (BMW M compound brakes) or gold anodised (M carbon ceramic brakes) finish. The wheel design is closely modelled on that of the successful BMW M4 DTM racing cars.

Equipped to the highest standard

The cabin of the BMW M4 CS is awash with fine leather and classy Alcantara. Both the driver and front passenger settle into the same specially-designed lightweight M sports seats fitted in the M4 with Competition Package. They are upholstered in Merino leather and Alcantara and guarantee optimum lateral support, even when powering around a track. At the same time, though, they are also very comfortable on long journeys. The familiar BMW M stripes have been incorporated into the front seat belts.

The most important accessory for drivers of the new BMW M4 CS is, needless to say, an M sports steering wheel. The M Alcantara steering wheel – a cost option – is wrapped in exclusive, anthracite-coloured Alcantara with blue/red M stitching and a 12 o’clock marker, and provides outstanding grip in all driving situations.

The interior trim strips are lined with Alcantara and feature prominent CS identifiers. Alcantara is a wonderfully classy yet hard-wearing upholstery material that also graces the lightweight centre console and the elbow rests in the door panelling. When it comes to the door panelling and the side sections in the rear, BMW M GmbH has taken the same groundbreaking approach as it did for the M4 GTS. These elements are made from compacted natural fibres – renewable resources in other words – and are considerably lighter than conventional door panels. The engineers have also given the surface of the door panelling a smart carbon-fibre look. There is plenty of badging to further underline the status of the new BMW M4 CS special-edition model. An illuminated M4 logo has been integrated into the backrests of the M sports seats and there are special door sill strips inscribed with M4 CS lettering.

Despite the intensely sporty focus of the new BMW M4 CS, drivers do not have to go without comforts such as single-zone automatic climate control. An advanced version of the BMW HiFi system Professional provides superb listening pleasure, and the BMW Navigation system Professional is also to be found on the extensive list of standard comfort features. Adaptive LED Headlights including BMW Selective Beam (dazzle-free high beam assistant) can be ordered as an option. The intelligent BMW ConnectedDrive Services are also available as an option, as is the BMW M Laptimer app, which can be used for recording all the details of laps around a race track, for example. Plus, almost all of the myriad other options available for the BMW M4 can also be specified for the M4 CS.